Tiananmen Square

One of the most famous squares in the world, this spot is the beating heart of Beijing and has always been the site of mass protests and national celebrations.

It’s the history, more so than the architecture, behind Tiananmen Square that has brought it into the international spotlight. This public square is surrounded by Beijing’s most famous attractions, a sight you can’t miss if you are in Beijing.

Centrally located, Tianaman Square covers an area of nearly 109 acres (44 hectares). It is framed by two imperial gates to its north and south: the Gate of Heavenly Peace (Tiananmen Gate) and the Front Gate (Qianmen Gate). To the west stands the communist-era Great Hall of the People, the meeting place of the Chinese government. To the east is the National Museum of China.

Get to the square early and line up for the daily flag-raising ceremony, with soldiers of the People’s Liberation Army marching across the square. This flag is lowered with a similar stately show at sunset.

Tiananmen Square is heavily monitored by security cameras, metal detectors and police officers, presumably because it has a long history of a place of dissent. Examples of this dissent include the mass protest against the Versailles Treaty in 1919 and the pro-democracy student uprising 70 years later.

These days the atmosphere in the square is very friendly, so take in the scene at your own pace. Buy a kite for your children or watch the locals take photos at the Monument to the People’s Heroes in front of the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall. Inside this hall in the mausoleum, you can get a closer look at Mao Zedong, who died in 1976. Line up to catch a glimpse of what is either his mummified body, or a wax replica, depending on who you ask. Either way, you’ll be filing past the image of one of China’s most famous rulers at rest.

To reach Tiananmen Square, take a taxi or the subway Tian’anmen East, Tian’anmen West or Qianmen Station. Many combine their visit to the square with a journey through the adjacent Forbidden City.

Best Lodging Options Near Tiananmen Square

Grand Hyatt Beijing

1 East Chang An Avenue, Beijing, Beijing

5.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Dongdan, this luxury hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Oriental Plaza and Wangfujing Street. National Museum of China and Tiananmen Square are also within 15 minutes. Wangfujing Station is 6 minutes by foot and Dengshikou Station is 14 minutes.

New World Beijing Hotel

Located in Downtown Beijing, this luxury hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Beijing Shengmi E'er Catholic Church, Beijing Qianmen Street, and Beijing New World Shopping Mall. Soshow and Tiananmen Square are also within 1 mi (2 km). Chongwenmen Station is 11 minutes by foot and Ciqikou Station is 13 minutes.

Days Inn Forbidden City Beijing

Located in Downtown Beijing, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Tiananmen Square and Tiananmen. Wangfujing Street and Forbidden City are also within 1 mi (2 km). Wangfujing Station is 8 minutes by foot and Tian'anmen East Station is 11 minutes.

Home Inn Dabeiyao

34 DONG SAN HUAN ZHONG ROAD,, Beijing, PEK

2.5 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Downtown Beijing, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Zhongnanhai, Tiananmen Square, and The Palace Museum. Forbidden City and Tiananmen are also within 1 mi (2 km). Tian'anmen East Station is 8 minutes by foot and Tian'anmen West Station is 10 minutes.

Grand Hotel Beijing

No 35 East Chang An Avenue, Beijing, Beijing

5.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Downtown Beijing, this luxury hotel is within a 10-minute walk of National Museum of China, Tiananmen Square, and Tiananmen. Wangfujing Street and Forbidden City are also within 1 mi (2 km). Wangfujing Station is only a 4-minute walk and Tian'anmen East Station is 10 minutes.

The Ashar Hotel Beijing

No. 130 Chaoyangmen Nei Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, Beijing

0.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Downtown Beijing, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of National Museum of China, Tiananmen Square, and Tiananmen. Wangfujing Street and Forbidden City are also within 1 mi (2 km). Wangfujing Station is 6 minutes by foot and Tian'anmen East Station is 10 minutes.

Pan Pacific Beijing

No. 2 Huayuan Street, Xicheng District, Beijing

5.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Xicheng, this luxury hotel is 0.1 mi (0.1 km) from Beijing Financial Street and within 3 mi (5 km) of Tiananmen Square and Beihai Park. Forbidden City and Wangfujing Street are also within 3 mi (5 km). Lingjing Hutong Station is 8 minutes by foot and Xidan Station is 11 minutes.

Tiananmen Best Year Courtyard Hotel

1 Denglong Ku Hutong Nanchizi, Beijing

3.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Downtown Beijing, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Tiananmen, Tiananmen Square, and The Palace Museum. Forbidden City and Wangfujing Street are also within 1 mi (2 km). Tian'anmen East Station is 10 minutes by foot and Wangfujing Station is 14 minutes.